All you need to know about the UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi

The UAE is set to celebrate a momentous occasion this week – the 50th anniversary of its founding. There are a events planned right across the country. For those residing in Abu Dhabi, or visiting the emirate, there’s plenty of entertainment to be found this week.

A spectacular line-up of events to celebrate National Day has been unveiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) which will include a host of community events from December 1-3, and beyond.

There will be over 20 immersive events which will celebrate the UAE’s culture, diversity, and people through heritage-focussed festivals, music and dance performances, sporting activities and fireworks displays.

Fireworks
As a highlight of National Day weekend, on December 2, will be the National Day Fireworks display. The fireworks will light up the sky over Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, as well as in Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Fireworks displays will also be held over the skies above Al Maryah Island on December 2 and 3. Each fireworks display will start at 9pm. There will also be an additional National Day Fireworks Show at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall on December 2 at 8pm.

Concerts
There will be concerts held across the National Day weekend, led by Iraqi artist Majed Al Mohandis and Iraqi singer-songwriter Aseel Hameem, who will take to the stage at Emirates Palace on December 1. Emirati singer Hamad Al Ameri will perform at Qasr Al Hosn on December 2, with Emirati singer Ahlam will close the weekend at Louvre Abu Dhabi on December 3.

Sporting activities
Witness a skydive show and formation jump on December 2 at the Abu Dhabi Sports Aviation Club, where 16 skydivers carrying the UAE flag will create a ‘50’ formation above the city.

Additionally, in cooperation with Jazira Club, there will be a fly-over featuring approximately 50 airplanes and local pilots, paramotor and parasailing shows with the UAE flag, and for spectators watching on the big screen, gift giveaways of skydiving, parasailing and aviation vouchers.

Retail entertainment
Also on December 2, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall will host a National Day Flash Mob along with their fireworks show, from 6pm-8pm. The mall will also host the Sheikh Zayed Hologram interactive experience and screenings of Majlis the Story of the 50th, a film which uses archival footage to recount the UAE’s successful journey over the last 50 years. Both attractions will be open from 10am-10pm until December 4.

Cultural attractions
There will also be a film screening at Qasr Al Hosn , where there will be a special ‘50 Year’ film screening with the first 50 guests on December 2 also treated to a private experience of the attraction.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations continue with Marsana at Hudayriyat Island’s special Year of the 50th activations from December 1-3, as well as celebrations at Sheikha Fatima Park and Qasr Al Muwaiji. Cultural Foundation will see performances of Sailing the Silk Road by the renowned Caracalla Dance Theatre, the interactive exhibition Al Mujamma, plus art installations and screenings of films by Emirati filmmakers. Meanwhile, Manarat Al Saadiyat will host immersive art installations and workshops over the weekend.

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa and Al Jahili Fort will also be participating in National Day celebrations with exhibitions of historical artefacts from life in Abu Dhabi over the last 50 years on show, and activations which embrace Emirati culture through art, music and gastronomy.

Beyond National Day
On Yas Island, several entertainment, hospitality and dining attractions will celebrate the UAE’s Golden Jubilee with 50 days of exclusive offers and competitions.

There will also be two fantastic ‘Seasons’ that coincide with the National Day celebrations. The first is the Abu Dhabi Culinary Season which will continue until December 9, celebrating the UAE’s gastronomic landscape from the last 50 years, with outlets taking guests on a food journey through a special culinary activation: the Trademark Story campaign. Taking part in the campaign are 17 malls and over 100 restaurants offering trademark dishes for Dhs50.

The second “season” in the capital city is the Abu Dhabi Winter Shopping Season, which starts on December 2 (and which concludes on January 31, 2022) offering exclusive deals and discounts, with shop-and-win promotions across popular brands at the emirate’s malls.

In celebration of the nation’s momentous milestone, DCT Abu Dhabi has also launched a Jubilee Cultural Pass, granting free or discounted access to a diverse range of cultural sites and museums across the emirate.

For the full calendar of events taking place in Abu Dhabi over National Day weekend, visit visitabudhabi.ae/en/events